Ratchet driving mechansim

ABSTRACT

A mechanism for converting intermittent electrical current into a driving force to produce rotary mechanical motion in accurately controlled amounts, thus making it possible to turn an attached wheel the desired fraction of a single revolution by controlling the number of pulses of electric voltages applied to the device. This is accomplished by using a spring-driven pawl to drive a ratchet wheel and an electromagnetic means of retracting the pawl so that the number of retractions is dependent on the number of pulses of electric voltage applied across the solenoid of the retracting electromagnet.

v United States Patent 1 3,575,341

[72] Inventor Stephen C. Tarver 985,042 2/1911 Lotterhand 235/58 Gillette, Wyo. 1,240,256 9/1917 Quentell..... 235/58 [21] Appl. No. 663,887 1,262,727 4/1918 Williams..... 235/146 [22] Filed Aug. 28, 1967 1,420,311 6/1922 Gorden 235/146 [45] Patented Apr.20, 1971 3,318,522 5/1967 l-leyes 235/91X [73] Assignee Guaranteed Financial Services, Inc. 3,338,514 8/1967 Weinreich... 235/117 3,340,383 9/1967 Flocks 235/6l.7 5 RATCHET DRIVING MECHANSIM Primary Examiner-Richard B. Wilkinson 1 Claim 2 Drawing gm Assistant ExaminerStanley A. Wal

[52] U.S.Cl 235/91,

, 310/37 ABSTRACT: A mechanism for convening intermittent [51] Int. Cl 660m 1/00 electrical current into a driving force to produce rotary [50] Field of Search 235/60 mechanical motion in accurately controlled amounts, thus (M.T.), 92 (P.R.),58 (Print), 145,91, 1.3; making it possible to turn an attached wheel the desired 74/575, 576,577 (S), 578;235/131; 310/37 fraction of a single revolution by controlling the number of pulses of electric voltages applied to the device. This is [56] References cl'ed accomplished by using a spring-driven pawl to drive a ratchet UNITED STATES PATENTS wheel and an electromagnetic means of retracting the pawl so 2,550,950 5/1951 Young 235/1X that the number of retractions is dependent on the number of 3 357 37 12/19 7 stautmeisten" 235,144 pulses of electric voltage applied across the solenoid of the 926,318 6/1909 CrandalL; 235/ssx retracting electromagnet- PatentedApril 2 0, 1971 I 3,575,341

INVENTOR.

STEPHEN c. TARVER RATCIIET DRIVING MECHANSIM The present invention relates to a device for turning numbered dial wheels in a counting device similar to those used in a common automobile odometer. By applying a given number of pulses of voltage to this device it is possible to cause a numbered wheel connected to this device and having a common axis to turn a given number of degrees and thereby cause a desired number on the circumference of that-dial wheel to appear through a viewing window located in a stationary position such that each number will appear through it, one at a time, in succession, as the dial wheel turns.

Such a device makes it possible to have a counter,

mechanically remote from the generator creating the electrical pulses, with a number of dial wheels on a common axis, with each wheel driven by a separate device. This makes it possible to register a number in any column, that is, units,

tens, hundreds, thousands, etc., without the wheel representing any other column turning at all.

Whileit is recognized that there is previous art similar to this claimed invention, such as U.S. Pat. No. 3,307,637, to Stautmeister attention is directed to the .fact that in the prior art the driving spring is attached to the lever and there is no motion stopping with lever 6 and retracted position prior to a driving stroke.

When a voltage is applied across solenoid 10 through terminal 8a and 8b for a short duration electromagnet 9 draws lever 6 to it by magnetic force placing tension on spring 4 resulting in pawl 5 and lever 6 attaining the position as illustrated in FIG. 2.

When voltage is then interrupted across terminal 8a and 8b and current stops flowing through solenoid 10, thus causing the magnetic attraction for lever 6 to cease, the tension on spring 4 causes pawl 5 to pull ratchet wheel 1 around axis 2 the length of one tooth on the ratchet wheel, the pawl 5 in the position shown in F IG. 1.

When a voltage is again applied across terminals 8a and 8b and again interrupted, the cycle described above will be repeated.

means of insuring contact between the pawl and the ratchet wheel at high speeds or in case the device is in any, position except that in which gravity will hold the pawl against the ratchet wheel.

By attaching the driving spring to the pawl and to the frame, contact between the pawl and the ratchet wheel is assured regardless of speed or position.

F IG. 1 shows the device in an inoperative position.

FIG. 2 shows the device with the pawl and lever in a i so.

Each time the voltage is applied and then interrupted the above described action will cause ratchet wheel 1 to turn the length of one ratchet wheel tooth. Therefore the degrees of turning of ratchet wheel 1 can be determined by the number i to said pawl andframe and an electromagnet intermittently retracting said lever and producing tension on said spring. 

1. A ratchet wheel driving device comprising a ratchet wheel driven by a pawl and lever pivotally connected to each other with said lever pivotally connected to a frame, said pawl being pulled to move the ratchet wheel by a spring connected to said pawl and frame and an electromagnet intermittently retracting said lever and producing tension on said spring. 